After recently securing selection for the 2019 European Games in Minsk, Belarus, British Judo has announced Natalie Powell in the first stage selection for the World Championships.
Taking place from 25th – 31stAugust, Powell will head to Tokyo alongside a strong team consisting of current World Championship silver medallist Nekoda Smythe-Davis (weight: -57kg), who recently lead the Welsh Minor & Pre-Cadet Training Day in Cardiff, and Rio Olympic Games bronze medallist Sally Conway (-70kg). Current European Championship bronze medallists Lucy Renshall (-63kg), Gemma Howell (-70kg) and Ashley McKenzie (-60kg) have also been selected in a strong British Judo team.
Nigel, Donohue, British Judo Performance Director commented: ‘This is the first time in my years as Performance Director that we have been in a position to select such as large team at the first stage of selection. What this means for the athletes is they can now focus solely on their individual preparation for the World Championships in the knowledge that they have been selected. The selected athletes have enjoyed a great start to the year with medals at Grand Slam and Grand Prix level, and we hope that this will continue at the upcoming European Games in Minsk ahead of Tokyo.”
The World Championships will provide valuable experience as both Powell and the British Judo team prepare for next year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
